I would suggest studying your favorite architects by reading their biography, their design philosophy and use them if you agree or want to explore their ideas further. Keeping a journal of your design influences and just have a look out for things that inspires you. Never stop learning.

If you want to be a better designer, look to nature for hints. Emulating nature- God's handiwork- is the best move a designer can make. Taking cues from biology is the way of the future (and of the past in some regards). If you want to know some of the architects who have pioneered in this area, look to Frank Lloyd Wright, Dr. Paolo Soleri, Bruce Goff, Bart Prince, Douglas Cardinal, Dr. Ken Yeang, Antoine Predock, Laurie Chetwoods and Dr. Eugene Tssui.

Nature is the best teacher and can be an ally if we build sympathetically and in harmony with her untamed forces.